Our government will not encourage religious sentiments, says Governor Makinde

Segun Showunmi in Ibadan

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, assured residents of the state that his administration would always ensure fairness and equity among all religions and the people of the state.

Penpushing reports that the Governor, who was speaking at the 8th Day Fidau of the late Engr. Lere Adigun, an accomplished leader in the state, said that he will always be fair, without denying anyone his due, stressing that  there will be no space for religious bias or sentiments in his administration.

The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that the late Engr. Lere Adigun, who became his father and confidant in the course of their relationship, left a huge gap in his life, which he said will be difficult to fill.

Penpushing further reports that Makinde  who disclosed that the deceased Chief Executive Officer(CEO)  of Sahara Engineer taught him to be fair and not to be sentimental to any religion faithful in the state, called on residents in the state to contribute their quota to developing the state without bias and favour.

The Governor also declared that the current administration in the state is open to ideas and constructive criticisms, adding that it was wrong for anyone to insinuate that he would be biased against any religion.

“I am already seeing one of the lessons I Iearnt from Baba. For instance, MURIC is alleging that this government does not want Muslims to benefit from the dividends of democracy. Baba would have responded to the allegation if he were alive.

“But I am going to answer them now. One thing Baba taught me is not to be sentimental about religion and that people should be considered based on merit. And that is how this administration is being run. It will be like this until the tenure is over.”

Penpushing also reports that, Makinde  added that any position or benefit that each religious organization deserves will be given to them at the right time, saying: “this administration started one day, it will also end one day. Whether one is a Muslim or a Christian, it is whatever one deserves that one would get. That was what I learnt from Baba.”

The Governor who extolled the virtue of the business mogul and  pioneer president of Ibadan Solidarity Group, noted  that his memories will continue to live in his heart and those of others forever.

“This is the second time I have been asked to speak about our father, the late Chief Lere Adigun. But I believe we have all got over the shock that Baba is no longer with us. I have accepted that fate’.

“In actual fact, whosoever we love does not die, he is always in our heart. And, in as much as we are still alive, we have our loved ones at heart. So, I have the belief that with the good works Pa Adigun did while alive, he will continue to live in our hearts.”

The governor also used the occasion to plead with all indigenes and residents of Oyo State to put the interest of the state above partisan or primordial tendencies by joining hands with his government to develop the state.

Penpushing reports that he stressed the need for everyone to contribute his or her quota to the social and economic development of the state, saying: finally, I want to plead with everyone, and I will continue to say that the government will come and go, but our state will remain. The way we lay our bed is the way we will lie on it.

“So, I am using this opportunity to plead with each of us to contribute our quota to the development of the state.I am not a saint and I cannot do everything alone. That is why I am pleading with you all to contribute your quota, because it is whatever we sow that we will reap.”

Penpushing also reports that earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Sheik Mamoon Elesinmeta, charged everyone to remember that whatever they do today, they will account for it hereafter.

The Islamic cleric added that the late Chief Adigun used his life to serve humanity and, therefore, urged his children to emulate the good virtues of their late father.

Penpushing further reports that, dignitaries, who attended the prayers include the Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan; Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka, representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abubakar Agbotomokekere and his  council and the Aare Muslumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Akinola.

The dignitaries also include: Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja; Commissioners for Education and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye , Chief Bayo Lawal; Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye; Chief Saka Balogun and Chief Bosede Adedibu, among others.